PRINCESS ANNE, MD - (March 14, 2012) - University of Maryland Eastern Shore alumni welcomed the institution's next president, Juliette B. Bell, to campus today with a surprise announcement that they are underwriting a special award in her honor to support a deserving math or science student.

The disclosure came at the conclusion of an introductory event at the Student Services Center Theater to welcome Bell, who assumes the UMES presidency July 1.

Dr. Mortimer Neufville, USM Chancellor William Kirwan, Dr. Juliette B. Bell, alumni president Paul Trotter Sr. and UMES Board of Visitors chairman Jesse Williams are all smiles after an endowed fund in Bell's honor was announced during her first visit to campus March 14 - also known as "Pi" Day.

In less than a week’s time, the National Alumni Association and individual alumni donated $6,500 toward a $10,000 goal of creating an endowment to launch the Award for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – known collectively as the “STEM” disciplines.

Plans call for the recipient to be a rising junior or senior “who excels in one of the STEM areas … and also demonstrates an aptitude in scientific research and a commitment to advancing the number of minorities and women pursuing careers in (those academic) disciplines,” according to UMES Alumni Affairs Director Kimberly Dumpson.

Dumpson said she's hopeful the first award will be presented to a student to use during the 2013-2014 academic year.

The gesture clearly touched Bell, a biochemist known in higher education circles as a leading advocate to recruit students to be the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

The announcement highlighted the kick-off event for Bell’s whirlwind visit organized to introduce her to the university community, its friends and supporters. Bell was named UMES’ 15th president on March 7 by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

In public and private remarks to various audiences she met, Bell described her selection as a "dream come true."

"I'm truly grateful for this awesome opportunity," Bell said. "God is good. I'm truly honored and humbled. This is an opportunity I will not take for granted."

Bell paid tribute to her late parents, whom she said emphasized the importance of education and instilled a work ethic that has served her well throughout her career in higher education. She also paid tribute to the job done by former President Thelma B. Thompson in making UMES what she described as "a jewel."

"There is much here to build upon and grow with," she said.

Bell, 56, currently is the chief academic policymaker at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, a historically black institution with an enrollment of 2,500 students.

Dr. William Kirwan, the University System of Maryland chancellor who oversaw the search that identified Bell as UMES' new president, said her current boss recently told him "the tears are still flowing at Central State" over her announcement she's leaving after three years.

Jesse Williams Sr., chairman of UMES' Board of Visitors, called on "Hawk Nation" to support Bell.

"This is my university," said Williams, an alumnus. "If Dr. Bell succeeds, the university will be successful. Let's embrace her."

In addition to the surprise announcement about alumni starting an endowed fund in her honor, interim President Mortimer Neufville also welcomed Bell's husband, Willie, her son and daughter-in-law, and their two children - who momentarily stole the spotlight from their grandmother.

Neufville called them on stage in the Student Services Center Theater to present them with UMES-signature souvenirs, including baseball caps for Michael Barclay, 8, and his six-year-old sister, Maysa. One received a black cap and the other a maroon version, but swapped them on stage much to the delight of onlookers.

Bell told her first audience of the day that she's ready and up to the task of converting "challenges into opportunities" and wants to hear from all the university's various constituencies.

"I pledge my best efforts to reinforce the trust you've placed in me," she said.